A Profile of the Community of Pocatello

The city of Pocatello is located in southeast Idaho at 4,450 feet in the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The name comes from Chief Pocatello of the Shoshone Tribe who granted the railroad a right-of-way through the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Pocatello is the third largest city in Idaho with a population of approximately 52,000; the adjoining town of Chubbuck has 9,700. The population of Bannock County is approximately 75,600.

Pocatello has a four-season climate where clear, sunny and dry weather is the norm. Annual precipitation is typically less than 15 inches. July 2001’s temperature high was 90 degrees and the low was 60 degrees; December 2001’s high was 35 degrees and the low was 15 degrees. Outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful. Pocatello is 2 to 3 hours travel time from Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, the Sun Valley area, and Salt Lake City–site of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District is organized K-12 and has a student population of 12,474. The District has a solid reputation for providing quality education in grades K-12, as well as nationally recognized adult/community education classes. Elementary schools are organized K-6, junior high schools 7, 8, and 9 and senior high schools 10, 11, and 12. The District operates 14 elementary schools, a pre-school program for developmentally delayed students, 4 junior high schools, 1 junior high school alternative program, a teen parent program, 1 senior high school alternative program, and 3 senior high schools.

The cost of living in Pocatello is well below the national average. A median-price home in Pocatello is approximately $91,000 compared to $148,000 nationally. Pocatello has a broad employment base in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, education, high-tech and nuclear research, medical products, recreation and tourism. Major employers are Idaho State University and Pocatello School District 25; AMI Semiconductor; Union Pacific Railroad; JR Simplot Minerals and Chemicals Manufacturing Facility, and Astaris (formerly FMC); City and County Government; Bannock Regional Medical Center and Pocatello Regional Medical Center; Kimberly Clark; and Heinz Foods. Agriculture, especially farming and processing Idaho’s famous potatoes, is an important part of the local economy.

Protestant, Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Jewish congregations offer a rich variety of places to worship. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) is predominant in the area.

Further information about the City of Pocatello, Idaho State University, School District 25, Southeast Idaho, and Trinity Episcopal Church can be found at the following Internet websites:

http://www.pocatelloidaho.com

http://www.d25.id.us

http://www.isu.edu

http://www.isu.edu/%7Etrinmich/Sites.html - (Award-winning Oregon Trail site)

http://gemstate.net/users/trinity

A Profile of Trinity Episcopal Church

Pocatello, Idaho

Who are we?

Trinity Church has been described as “the most catholic parish in the Diocese.” We are the first parish in the Diocese of Idaho to receive the National Church’s designation of “Jubilee Parish”. We are one of 32 parishes in the Diocese of Idaho, the Rt. Rev. Harry Bainbridge, III, Bishop. Our monthly assessment to the diocese totals 22.75%. At the present time, we have no long term or capital debt. We have been a self-supporting parish for the past four years. We have approximately 500 members with 93 pledging units, a 2001 budget of $135,000. During non-summer months, attendance at Sunday worship averages 110 people.

The cornerstone of our church building was laid in 1898, although the first Episcopal service in Pocatello was in 1889. In 1970, an Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company pipe organ was installed. Our building was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1978. The neighboring Parish Hall was built around 1938 and both buildings are connected with a lovely courtyard. As might be expected with these older buildings, maintenance presents a continuing challenge. A plan for remodeling and updating the Parish Hall is being reviewed.

At Trinity Church, we see ourselves as “a part of God’s unfinished tapestry” (the vision statement of the Parish adopted in 1993). This vision emphasizes our diversity, a characteristic that is a great strength and also a great challenge. Diversity must be understood in the context of Idaho and Pocatello. For us, diversity is not seen in a racial and ethnic mix. In the greater Pocatello area, approximately 8% of the population is non-white. For our membership, this translates to approximately 3% of our membership as non-white, although we strive to be welcoming to people of color. The focus of our diversity is reflected in socio-economic status and in our theological openness. In general, we see ourselves as “theologically open,” which means that we include a spectrum of philosophical viewpoints from conservative to liberal. Seen in the context of the conservative region of Southeastern Idaho, some of us could even be described as radical. This diversity sometimes leads to disagreements and differing points of view. For example, there are members of the parish who deeply miss the more contemplative Rite I service and members who feel equally strongly that the future growth of the church lies in the more accessible contemporary Rite II service. In most cases, we address differing ideas in an open and accepting environment.

We are the first Parish in Idaho to establish a chapter of Integrity. Although Integrity is not currently active, the members of Trinity Church who are gay and lesbian remain a significant percentage of the active members of the parish. We believe we are the only mainline church in the area to openly welcome these individuals without asking them to change their gender identity and the only church to honor and support committed same-sex relationships.

As might be expected of an Episcopal Church in a college town, we have a substantial number of professionals and academics in our parish. But we also have a substantial number of small business owners, farmers, blue-collar workers, and even our share of unemployed adults. We also have members aged 0 to 90 plus. Currently, our largest group, approximately 148 people, is between the ages of 40 and 59. Our second largest age group is the 20 and under population consisting of 140 children, youth and young adults. These numbers are out of a total parish membership of approximately 500 people.

What are we doing?

Trinity Church is located in the section of Pocatello know as “Old Town”. Our outreach programs have responded to the special needs of our neighborhood. Approximately 20 years ago, in response to the homeless and transient population, the church established “My Brother’s Table,” a soup kitchen that serves a meal every Sunday to all who are hungry. On any given Sunday, anywhere from 50 to 90 people will receive a hot meal and take a sack of canned foods with them. While this program receives significant support from volunteers and financial donations from other churches and individuals in the community, the program is identified with Trinity Church and is housed in our Parish Hall.

Our downtown location is also directly across the street from Pocatello High School, the oldest of three high schools in Pocatello. For the past three years, we have opened our Parish Hall from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. to welcome all high school students. “Our Gathering Place” hosts anywhere from 30 to 100 students for complimentary sodas and snacks, games and a chance to “hangout.” Adult supervision is provided, and tutoring and computer access are available.

As a further commitment to meeting the needs of the population in the downtown area, we purchased the lot next to our church. Currently, the lot is used as a “Student Art Park.” We have an active Board that is directing the activities of this project and reports to the Vestry. The Vestry has approved the Board’s plan to develop an outdoor recreation area with a basketball court and a skateboard wall.

Meeting rooms in our Parish Hall are used by several community organizations. AA, Al-Anon, Alateen, Special Olympics Coaches, Young Blind Support Group, the Audobon Society and the Kennel Club hold weekly or monthly meetings in our facility. We also have an Idaho State University program, the Adult Success Center, operating out of a room in our basement. This program provides tutoring for students working toward their GED, English classes for non-English speaking students, and helps students develop job searching skills (SOLVE – Skill Oriented Learning is a Valued Education).

Trinity is very fortunate to have three Canon 9 priests. During this time of transition, the Rev. Diane Paulson, the Rev. Dr. Donald Paulson and the Rev. H. Bud Smalley are conducting and coordinating worship services, weddings, funerals, baptisms, home and hospital visitations. The Rev. Diane is a special education teacher at one of the local elementary schools. The main focus of the Rev. Diane’s ministry is the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center (PWCC). PWCC is the only women’s prison in the state of Idaho and houses 270 women. 200 additional treatment beds will be added to the facility in the near future. The Rev. Diane coordinates approximately 20 volunteers who have completed a correctional center volunteer orientation program. These volunteers conduct religious studies twice weekly, participate in Eucharist services as Lay Eucharistic Ministers and musicians, visit inmates, assemble prayer beads, prepare and mail cards for birthdays and holidays, and help inmates read and record books so that the books and tapes can be sent to their children. The Rev. Diane coordinates these ministries with the correctional facility administration.

The Rev. Dr. Donald Paulson is the director of Idaho State University’s Counseling, Testing and Career Services department. The main focus of the Rev. Don’s ministry is providing Christian counseling services. The Rev. Don provides counseling at no charge to anyone who requests counseling. Teaching religious education classes and conducting diocesan Sexual Harassment Awareness Workshops is also part of the Rev. Don’s ministry.

The Rev. H. Bud Smalley is a facilitator of the Communications and Relay Department of Idaho Power Company. The Rev. Bud visits the nearby communities of American Falls and Fort Hall once a month to lead worship services there. He also conducts training classes for Lay Eucharistic Ministers.

In addition to our Canon 9 priests, we have many lay ministers. We have 15 licensed Chalice Bearers/Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM’s) that in addition to serving Eucharist at regular worship services, visit 10 individuals at least once a month. The LEM’s also make special visitations whenever requested. We have a Choir Director and a choir with approximately 15 members. Our acolyte program is in the process of rejuvenating and will have adult and youth members. A Bible study group meets weekly.

We have a Newcomer’s Committee charged with the responsibility of meeting newcomers and presenting them with a gift bag containing bread, sparkling cider, the current issue of The CALL (our monthly newsletter), a welcoming card and a magnet printed with the church name, address and phone number. We also have a Worship Committee responsible for planning worship activities, a Parish Life Committee responsible for planning social activities, an active Episcopal Church Women’s group and a weekly Bible study group.

Nursery services for children ages 0 to 5 are provided every Sunday. Our traditional religious education schedule has been to have classes for children and adults that meet between the two Sunday morning worship services (8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.). These classes do not meet during the summer.

Adult religious education classes are led by clergy and parishioners. The focus of this year’s education will center on the Church Teaching Series. The Anglican Vision authored by James E. Griffis, is the first book in this series and will be used for adult religious education, for inquirers’ classes, and as a resource for newcomers.

Our youth religious education program is being restructured. Beginning this fall, we will have two children’s classes, grades kindergarten through second and grades third and fourth. Two adults will share the teaching duties for each class. We are also beginning a “Youth Activity Program” that will emphasize fun activities and service projects. This youth program will target children in grades third through sixth, and will be directed by two adults. Although we have had youth programs for middle school and high school students in the past, we do not have any current offerings for this age group.

Where are we going?

The Vestry recently decided to pursue a theme for parish activities for the new church year. The focus will be on volume I of the New Church's Teaching Series, The Anglican Vision by James E. Griffis. These activities would include, but not be limited to Christian Education from K-12 to adult, sermon content, inquirer's classes, and as a resource for newcomers and evening discussion groups. We intend that a copy of the book will be provided to each family in the parish.

As we look to our future, education and programs for all of our members is our first concern. Although we do have some ongoing Sunday School and Youth Activities, we feel that our current programs and the current level of participation are not sufficient. We would also like to see an increase in the participation in our adult education programs. By providing exciting and interesting education opportunities for all ages, we hope to have growth in our attendance and membership.

Our outreach ministries are a very important part of who we are. Continuing our existing ministries is very important but does not preclude us from finding new and different ways to reach out to those around us.

We have continued for more than 100 years - a relatively small community in an area dominated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church). We have grown by seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. We trust that God will continue to guide us through many more changes and transitions, but through it all we expect to remain “a part of God’s unfinished tapestry.”

Part of God’s Unfinished Tapestry

2001

Pocatello, Idaho

Who are we?

What are we doing?

Where are we going?